The upcoming Houdiniana and Magic Memorabilia sale from Potter & Potter Auctions will particularly highlight The Unmasking of Robert-Houdin. The book is the first example offered for sale, a rare autographed edition in Houdini’s handwriting using the Americanized (and widely accepted) spelling of his birth name, Ehrich Weiss. Born Erik Weisz (1874 – 1926) in Austria-Hungary, Weisz began calling himself “Harry Houdini” after the French magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and American magician Harry Kellar, both of whom Houdini admired. The available book by Houdini was published in 1908. It is a first-edition copy from The Publisher’s Printing Co. in brown cloth, decorated in white and black. The portrait frontispiece is guarded by tissue. The book also includes a profusion of plates picturing rarities from Houdini’s collection. The book was possibly a gift for his brother Leo Weiss, M.D. The inscription reads, in full: “To my real Pal / Doc, with best wishes and compliments of the author. May you enjoy reading my book with as much pleasure as the gathering of the contents gave me. / Harry Houdini / (Ehrich Weiss).”
The Fantastic Orange Tree Automaton created by John Gaughan and Associates around 1989 is another top lot in the sale. Based on the famous 19th-century effect by Robert Houdin, this magical automaton was featured on the Paul Daniels Magic Show. The machine is accompanied by a manufacturer’s booklet tracing the history of the effect. It is one of only a handful of these props manufactured by Gaughan. The audience watches as a borrowed ring vanishes beneath a handkerchief on the magician’s table. On the command of the performer, orange blossoms begin to grow developing into real oranges. At the apex of the tree, it splits open to release a pair of mechanical butterflies carrying the missing borrowed ring. To view the complete catalog and register to bid, visit the Houdiniana and Magic Memorabilia sale.
This upcoming Thursday Morning at Stair sale, presented by Stair, will present a wide selection of furniture, fine art, decorative art, Asian art, and other items. Among the top lots is a brass-mounted mahogany bureau plat in the Louis XVI style. This elaborate writing desk features several drawers located under the writing surface, intended to store writing instruments out of sight. The offered example includes brass keyholes and carved legs. Another notable furniture lot in the catalog is a pair of Napoleon III-style club chairs. Upholstered in deep red gauffrage velvet, these chairs feature tufted backs. The Napoleon III style, also known as the Second Empire style, prioritized comfort and the incorporation of new materials such as cast iron and glass. Elaborate upholstery, as seen in the available chairs, was particularly popular.
Beyond furniture, bidders can also consider decorative items and houseware, including assorted porcelain pieces. Notable in this section of the catalog is a group of four Chinese export blue and white platters. These unmarked rectangular pieces feature landscape scenes and images from nature, ranging from mountains and rivers to birds and flowers. The catalog includes several sculptural works as well, including a terracotta bust made in the manner of Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. The French sculptor was a founding member of Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and was known for his elegant depictions of historical and mythological scenes. The available bust, offered under the title Le Printemps or Spring, depicts a young woman adorned with flowers, looking down and to the side. To view the complete Thursday Morning at STAIR – April 11, 2024 auction catalog and browse other online auctions, visit Bidsquare.
On May 16, 2023, the San Antonio Spurs won the NBA Draft Lottery for the third time in franchise history. The team earned the right to select first and secure a franchise player that will shape the team’s success for years to come. The team selected Victor Wembanyama, a 7-foot-4-inches tall 19-year-old professional player from France. His wingspan alone is eight feet. A ‘City Edition’ jersey worn by Victor Wembanyama in the Kia Skills Challenge at the 2024 State Farm All-Star Saturday Night will lead Sotheby’s NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game auction. All-Star Saturday better suited Wembanyama’s unique abilities as the tallest participant in the event’s history, demonstrating his ball handling and agility. Wembanyama moved around the court like a guard, setting one of the best times in the relay portion of the event.
The all-star game sale featuring NBA players will also showcase a LeBron James-worn ‘NBA All-Star Edition’ shooting shirt. James wore it during the NBA All-Star Game. He was the first overall pick of the 2003 NBA draft, debuting with the Cleveland Cavaliers. At 39 years old, James has played 21 seasons in the NBA. He is also recognized as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and one of the greatest NBA players in the history of professional basketball. Out of court, his endeavors have made him the first active NBA player to become a billionaire. As the official game-worn source of the NBA, Sotheby’s will offer pieces of basketball history to NBA fans and collectors. From the excitement of the Kia NBA Tip-Off to the prestige of the NBA All-Star Game and the intensity of the 2024 NBA Finals, this auction will offer rare and collectible jerseys from pinnacle events. To view the complete catalog and register to bid, visit the NBA Auctions: 2024 All-Star Game sale.
Huanghuali is a highly rare species of rosewood found in Hainan province, China. The “yellow flowering pear” wood is cherished for its rich tones and abstract patterns. Durable and resistant, it was regarded as ideal for making antique Chinese furniture. The upcoming Freeman’s auction will feature a pair of huanghuali continuous yoke-back Official’s Hat armchairs from the Qing dynasty. Each chair has a boldly-carved crest rail over a bowed splat carved in low relief with a stylized lotus cartouche. With tapered stiles, serpentine arms and supports, it has a paneled seat with the legs joined by a box stretcher. Another striking Chinese lot is a pair of famille rose-decorated porcelain “Thousand Bats” vases. Each piece has a flared lip and globular body on a circular foot. It depicts iron red bats and colorful clouds with a six-character marking to the underside.
A Chinese patinated bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara/Guanyin, Yunnan (12th to 14th century) also leads the listings. Sculpted in a seated posture, the figure bears a calm facial expression. Guanyin is portrayed with an elaborate crown, floral ornaments, and holding a willow branch in the right hand and a bowl in the left. Visit Freeman’s to view the complete catalog and register to bid in the upcoming Asian Art sale.
A 1963 Ford Galaxie 500XL convertible is an early introduction prototype leading the upcoming Houston 2024 auction, offered by Mecum Auctions. It is a 1966 NASCAR with a 427/425 CI FE big block side oiler V-8 engine built by Braden Engineering and has worked with Gordon Johncock and Patrick Racing, the two-time Indianapolis 500 winner. The available car was produced three months before factory introduction at the Los Angeles plant on February 14, 1963. The eye-catching blue interior has a power driver’s seat and power steering, carpeted inner trunk quarter panels. Additional features include Dual Holley four-barrel carburetors and heavy-duty four-speed manual transmission. The exterior is Wimbledon white with stainless rear quarter trim. It is the only R-code car known to exist.
Another notable lot is a 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, one of only 308 produced. This model was completed on July 9, 1956 and imported immediately to the U.S. It has been part of two premier collections since the 1980s, previously owned by four-time Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Best of Show winners Sam and Emily Mann. The winners have participated in the Colorado Grands, California Mille, and Tejas Turismo rallies with this Mercedes-Benz Gullwing. It has a 2996cc Inline six-cylinder engine, four-speed manual transmission, a silver exterior, and a red leather interior. The air conditioning has been installed by Hjeltness Restoration of Escondido, California. The auction will showcase over 1,000 cars, motorcycles, boats, works of road art, and more. Visit Mecum Auctions to view the complete catalog and register to bid on the upcoming Houston 2024 sale.
The upcoming 2435 | Dazzling Jewelry Designs sale from NY Elizabeth highlights 400 lots of fine jewelry, including pendants, rings, and bracelets. Among the top lots in the catalog is a vintage Van Cleef & Arpels-designed Alhambra blue sable bracelet. This piece weighs a total of 13.4 grams. Set in 18-karat yellow gold, it is studded with numerous diamonds. A Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra necklace in 18-karat yellow gold is also available. The total weight of this 32.3-inch long necklace is 20 grams. It comes with the sales certificate and original box.
This sale will also highlight a pair of Bulgari Diva’s Dream diamond 18-karat rose gold earrings. In 1884, talented Greek silversmith Sotirio Bulgari started the company bearing his name. Bulgari quickly established a strong brand reputation with exquisite craftsmanship and innovative jewelry creations. Other notable lots in the catalog include a tennis diamond 18-karat yellow gold necklace, a Van Cleef & Arpels cosmos clip shell diamond and 18-karat yellow gold necklace, and a Hawaii 18-karat yellow gold necklace. View the complete catalog of the 2435 | Dazzling Jewelry Designs sale and find other online auctions by visiting Bidsquare.
A selection of fine artworks, decorative art, and furniture will soon be available with Brunk Auctions. Among the top lots of this upcoming auction is Salvador Dalí’s lithograph work titled Les Amoureux. The artist chose Les Amoureux as a symbolic representation of his deepest feelings regarding human relationships. Dalí’s works are characterized by their dreamlike imagery, symbolic meanings, and meticulous detailing. Three original color lithographs on Archer paper make up the Les Amoureux suite, each signed “Dalí” in the lower right corner. This set includes a portfolio cover, text, justification page, and a certificate of authenticity. Another notable fine artwork in the catalog is a 1922 framed etching by Marc Chagall, titled Man with a Basket. It is an illustration of French culture. The available work exhibits Chagall’s artistry, Fauvist influence, and distinctive style.
Beyond fine art, the upcoming auction includes decorative arts, furniture, and collectibles. Leading this section of the catalog is Spielholz & Hargrave’s hand-blown art glass vase from the Andiamo Studio. The available piece has a signed, dated, and numbered base. Additional lots of interest include a bronze statue of a matador by American sculptor Malvina Cornell Hoffman. The piece is signed and stamped on its bronze base. Bidders can consider Keiko Yamaguchi’s art doll, a class=”external_link” set of eight Robert Dane “Tutti Frutti” glass goblets, and more. Visit Bidsquare to view the complete Modern + Design Auction | April 11, 2024 catalog and browse other online auctions.
Brazilian artist Romero Britto uses bright colors and bold patterns to bridge Pop Art, Cubism, and contemporary styles in his paintings and sculptures. His work is intended to be joyful and bright, easily accessible to the general public. An oil on canvas painting by Romero Britto will soon be available in Avenue Auctions’ upcoming sale. Titled Red Everglades, the offered work features a maroon background and overlapping pink lines. In the spaces between the lines, the artist placed colorful triangles and quadrilaterals of various polka dot and striped patterns. Another key abstract work in the catalog is an ink on paper piece by Cuban artist Loló Soldevilla. The artist was a key figure in the Concrete Art movement and a pioneer in Cuba’s mid-20th century abstract art space.
A watercolor on board painting by Spanish painter Juan Gris is also available in the upcoming auction. It depicts a Parisian city scene in varied colors. Gris worked in the Cubist movement, specializing in evocative still lifes. Additional lots of interest in the catalog include a vivid oil on canvas painting by Spanish artist and writer Antonio Saura, titled Mr. X. Saura embraced passion within his paintings, favoring bold brushstrokes and expressive subjects. The offered work features a thick application of red-orange paint, dominated by an X shape crossing the canvas. Interested collectors can also consider works by Natasha Turovsky, Keith Haring, Leroy Neiman, and others. Visit Bidsquare to browse the full April for Art catalog and find other online auctions.
The collection of American Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter will soon come to the market with Brunk Auctions. Known for her role as U.S. Ambassador to Finland from 2001 to 2003 and for her extensive business ventures and philanthropy, McElveen-Hunter is also a collector. The items available in this sale formerly resided in her homes in Washington, D.C. and Greensboro, North Carolina. Among the top lots of the event is a classical sculpture by Eugenio Battiglia. The offered Dancer with Castanets sculpture in carved marble references Antonio Canova’s work of the same name. Battiglia was a Tuscan artist working in Florence during the 19th century; he was best known for his fine reproductions of classical works.
Assorted furniture items and decorative artwork from the collection of Bonnie McElveen-Hunter will also be available in the upcoming auction. This includes a Chippendale-style carved giltwood mirror with chinoiserie elements. It dates back to 19th-century Britain and features a seated figure and dangling bells. Wood furniture lots ranging from a Russian Neoclassical marquetry desk to a British George III mahogany secretary bookcase will be on offer. Decorative lots of interest include a pair of Royal Worcester porcelain lidded urns decorated with hand-painted fruit still lifes, as well as a large carved pine spread-wing eagle sculpture. Visit Bidsquare to browse the full Collection of Ambassador Bonnie McElveen-Hunter | April 10, 2024 auction catalog and find other online auctions.
Farber Auctioneers and Appraisers will present a curated selection of fine jewelry and collectibles this April. Leading the sale catalog is a purple sapphire diamond gold platinum ring designed by Oscar Heyman Brothers. The center purple sapphire measures approximately 7.23 carats. The gemstone is surrounded by yellow and white diamonds. According to the auction catalog, the diamonds have F color and VVS-VS clarity. They measure a total of 1.80 carats.
Another notable lot is a Seaman Schepps Garden Tutti Frutti bracelet. Carved, faceted, and cabochon rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds highlight this bracelet. The gemstones are set in 18-karat gold. The bracelet carries the maker’s mark and weighs a total of 88.6 grams. Born in New York City in 1881, Seaman Schepps was famous for his retro and 1950s-style jewelry. He began designing his jewelry following a trip to Paris – the fashion capital of the world. Collectors can also consider a pair of Graff diamond blue sapphire gold long drop earrings, a Cartier Nigeria gold diamond eternity band ring, and a diamond gemstone gold platinum brooch pendant by David Webb. Visit Bidsquare to browse the full catalog and register to bid in this April Fine Jewels event and other online auctions.
